Acknowledgements
Thank you to Stacia Decker for her insight, enthusiasm, and friendship.
Thank you to Chris Heiser for collaborating with me to realize this vision; Olivia Smith and Allison Smith for bringing this book to readers; and Rachel Clements, Jenna Gordon, and everyone at VERVE Books for introducing my Philly story to global readers.
Thank you to the writing community that has had my back: Agnes Bannigan, Makeeba Browne, and Jessica Bylander for reminding me to be a beast; Caitlin Campbell for always reading; Leigh Hopkins, Annie Liontas, Carmen Maria Machado, Liz Moore, and the Claw for their faith and encouragement; Val Howlett for helping me write the first draft 100 words a day; Jon McGoran for introductions, laughs, and ghost stories; Nathaniel Popkin for moral support and
